CSO

Our approach to leadership search in sustainability

Sustainability leadership requires a careful approach. A credible sustainability strategy that seamlessly aligns with the overall corporate strategy is crucial for value creation for all stakeholders. Our approach is built around three pillars: Identify, Build and Develop.

Identify

We explore the strategic context: where does your organisation stand on ESG, climate goals and governance? Drawing on those insights, we formulate a forward-looking leadership profile.

Build

Using our global network, we develop a carefully composed pool of candidates with experience in ESG and sustainability challenges. We work across a range of sectors, including financial services, construction, consumer goods, and the chemical and process industries.

Develop

Our support extends beyond the appointment. We assist with onboarding and integration, ensuring your sustainability leader is connected to the organisation's direction and goals from day one.

Who brings sustainability to life in the strategy and culture of your organisation?

Sustainability is not the sole preserve of specialists. It is a shared goal for all stakeholders. Leaders who understand this increase employee engagement and make a meaningful contribution to reducing climate risks.

That is why we speak with clients and candidates worldwide about their vision on climate change, regardless of sector or role.

Why is sustainability leadership more strategic than ever?

Investors and stakeholders are demanding ever greater transparency on environmental policy, social responsibility and governance. Increasing regulation around ESG, including CSRD, makes sustainability an essential component of value creation and continuity. This calls for leaders who connect sustainability with the broader strategy of the organisation.

How does Odgers itself contribute to reducing climate risks?

Our contribution to reducing climate risks is most clearly reflected in our work for clients. At the same time, we are committed to further reducing our own ecological footprint. In collaboration with Carbon Intelligence, we have developed a carefully considered strategy to that end. After calculating our global CO₂ emissions for scope 1, 2 and 3, we have set targets that are scientifically grounded. These have been recognised by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) as an example of best practice.

We continue to focus internationally on reducing our CO₂ emissions and on realising the course we have set for ourselves.

Chief Sustainability Officer executive search across sectors

Odgers supports organisations across a wide range of sectors in recruiting Chief Sustainability Officers and ESG leaders. Each environment requires its own profile and approach. We translate our sector knowledge into a sharp profile and an effective search strategy.

• Financial services requires CSO leaders who embed sustainability into investment decisions, risk management and reporting within an increasingly demanding regulatory and societal framework.
• Industry, energy & chemicals requires Chief Sustainability Officers who drive the transition towards sustainable operations and strategically balance environmental impact, supply chain responsibility and stakeholder pressure.
• Consumer goods & retail requires CSO leaders who credibly connect sustainability to brand, consumer behaviour and supply chain management without compromising commercial strength.
• Construction, real estate & infrastructure requires ESG leaders who translate sustainability ambitions into tangible area development, material choices and long-term value in the built environment.

Ready to attract sustainability leadership that fits your organisation?

We would be glad to think along with you about the possibilities and solutions we see for your organisation. Get in touch with our consultants.